The addition of a basement egress window can turn any basement into a more inviting place and allow for lots of natural light. When egress windows are installed not only can they expand the living area, but they will revitalize your basement.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, basement egress windows and wells are essential for your safety. To make sure you get it right the first time, there are a few things you’ll want to consider during this process.
A proper design will be needed before any work can be completed on the basement. What is the room that you want in your basement? Will it be a bedroom, a theater, a recreation room, an exercise room, or do you just want more storage space?
An egress window or door is required for each bedroom and also for large rooms like the recreation room or exercise room. Keep in mind which rooms you would like to be well lit and the ones that will need proper ventilation.
Keep in mind though, bathrooms and utility rooms typically aren’t required to have emergency escape windows.
The next step is determining how many bedrooms will need an egress window. Keep in mind, the rule of thumb is one window per bedroom and common area.
Typically for the basement remodeling projects we do, the windows are already in place and we can work with you to update them or keep them out of harm’s way during the construction process. It’s crucial for your contractor to know local building codes (fortunately we do) to ensure that everything is compliant.
If you already have windows in place, we can work with you to pick updated energy efficient windows which will generate energy savings on your monthly utility bill. Whether it’s a casement, slider, or double hung window, we have sources that can help us track down the right ones at the right price.
When it comes to egress windows, we’ll want to help you make the correct selection which doesn’t always come down to price. The correct choice of window will need to allow plenty of light and ventilation into the room.
In addition to these elements, the window needs to provide sufficient security, safety, and believe it or not, privacy.
In the event the basement window openings are not large enough, our team can work with you size the spaces so the emergency windows will fit. In most cases the well will need to be excavated, the concrete cut by a concrete saw, some masonry work to fix the opening, install proper drainage for the well, and finally the window installation.
Picking the right egress windows for a basement renovation can involve a significant amount of planning. Be sure to have some awareness of what is required by the local municipality and what you’re looking for in your new basement.
This will make communicating with your contractor of choice much easier and ultimately lead to a smoother basement remodeling project.
